Obedience Commanded

"See , I have taught you decrees and laws as the Lord my God commanded me, so that you may follow them in the land you are entering to take possession of it. Observe them carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, "Surely  this great nation is a wise and understanding people." What other nation is so great as to have the gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him? And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws as this body of laws I am setting before you today? (Deuteronomy 4:5-8)

The benefits of obedience are the following:

This will show your wisdom and understanding to others who are observing your way of life. This will also demonstrate the nearness of your God as He responds to your prayer.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ,this also became a reality for us. Jesus is our Immanuel - God with us. Through His death on the cross, He opened the way so we can draw near to God. When we accept Jesus as Savior and Lord,then we enjoy the right to call Him our Father an He calls us His children. Because of our love for Him, we obey his commands. This, as well, makes us " a wise and understanding people."

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them. Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, " Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children." (Deuteronomy 4:9-10)

This is a timely reminder to all of us - let us recall the goodness of the Lord - what our eyes have seen, and what our hearts have experienced. Let us be quick to share them to our children so they will also learn to fear and love the Lord.

-Don't Forget to Remember

• Deauteronomy - Repitition of the Law - Chapter 8
• v- 26:23

Deuteronomy 8:1 - Be careful to follow every command

• to live and increase
• may enter and possess
• Gen. 12:27 / Gen 12:3 / Deut 8:2-5

I. How the Lord lead you (The struggles of the last) - Deut 8:2-5

• Food
• Clothing
• Feet (Did not swell)
• Discipline

      - Deut. 8:6-9 -description of the Promise land

II. When theLord satisfies You (The abundance in the Future)

• Deut. 8:10-18

Consequence of forgetting the Lord - Deut. 8:19-20

(Timothy 6:10)

An Article from the Pastor's Desk

Pork Sinigang (Pork in Sour Soup)

Ingredients:

• 1 kilo pork; cut in 1 1/2 inches chunks (liempo, kasim, or ribs)
• 10 tamarind seeds or 1 pack sinigang mix
• 1 big Onion (diced)
• 4 big tomatoes (quartered)
• 2 pieces Radish (sliced)
• 6 string beans(sitaw) or greenbeans, cut in 2” length
• 1 bundle swamp cabbage (Kangkong) – cut into 2″ long
• 4 pieces taro (gabi) ; peeled and cut in halve
• 3 pieces Hot banana peppers (Siling mahaba)
• fish sauce (patis) or salt
• Side Sauce
• Fish (or soy) sauce
• Lemon (or calamansi) juice
• Or you can mix both soysauce and calamansi

Cooking Procedure:

1. Boil Tamarind in water to soften.
2. Pound and extract all juices and set aside.
3. In a saucepan or stock pot, boil pork until tender. Add onion, tomato, and tamarind juice (1pack of sinigang mix) . Add taro until tender and thickens the soup. Simmer, then add the radish and string beans. When tender, add the swamp cabbage.
4. Season with salt or fish sauce according to taste.
5. Side with fish sauce and lemon (or calamansi) juice or soy sauce with lemon (or calamansi) juice, whichever is your preference.
6. Share, Serve hot and enjoy!

Nilagang Baboy (Boiled Pork w/ Vege)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pork (choices of belly, hocks, neck or any bony parts of pork), cut into serving pieces
• 7 cups water (depends on your preference)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 green onions (scallions), sliced into 1” long
• 1/4 tsp. peppercorn
• 2 pcs pork broth cubes (knorr)
• 2 eddoes- also known as taro or gabi, quartered (optional)
• 2 potatoes, quartered
• 2 pcs corn on the cob (optional) cut into manageable pcs
• 3 pcs ripe saba bananas (optional) into into pcs
• cabbage leaves (pechay)
• 1 bundle green beans
• salt to taste

Cooking Procedures :

1. Place pork in a big pot and let it covered with water. Bring to boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until pork is tender for about an hour.

2. Remove all the resulting scum that will rise to the top of the pot.

3. Add crushed garlic, sliced onions, scallions, peppercorn, corn, banana and pork broth cubes.

4. Add quartered taro (if using) and potatoes. Cook until tender.

5. Add the green beans. Simmer for 5 minutes. Correct the seasoning, season with salt if needed.

6. Add the cabbage (repolyo).Then remove from heat leave for about 3minutes (Do not overcook the green vegetables.

7. Serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken and Pork Adobo (Mix)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilo pork, cut into cubes
• 1/2 kilo chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 head garlic, minced
• 1 medium size red onion, diced
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1 cup vinegar
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 5 laurel leaves (bay leaves)
• 3 tablespoons of cooking oil or olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of rice water (if you have no rice water, water will do)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional add-on)
• 3 pcs medium size potato, cut into serving pieces (optional)

Cooking procedure:

1. In a large container, combine the soy sauce, garlic and onions then marinade the pork and chicken overnight

2. Place the cooking oil in a pan and apply heat

3. When the oil is hot enough, put-in the marinated pork and chicken

4. Add the rice water and bring to a boil

5. Add the dried bay leaves and potatoes then simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken & potatoes are tender

6. Add vinegar, salt, and pepper and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes

7. Serve hot. Share and Enjoy!

Pork Dinuguan (Pork Blood Stew)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb pork diced
• 1 cup frozen pigs blood
• 1/4 lb Pork liver diced
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2 tablespoon Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon msg (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 Onion diced
• 2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 1 1/2 cup broth
• 3 Hot banana peppers (siling mahaba)
• 2 tablespoon fish sauce (Patis)
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano (optional)

 Cooking Procedure:

1. Cover pork with water and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from broth and dice. Save 1-1/2 cups of broth.

2. In a 2-quart stainless steel or porcelain saucepan heat oil and saute garlic and onions for a few minutes. Add pork liver fish sauce, salt and MSG. Saute for 5 minutes more.

3. Add vinegar and bring to a boil without stirring. Lower heat and simmer uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated.

 4. Add broth. Simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in blood and sugar; cook until thick stirring occasionally to avoid curdling.

 5. Add hot banana peppers and oregano and cook 5 minutes more. Serve hot.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 50 minutes Serves 4

Tinolang Manok (Chicken Ginger Stew w/ Vege)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. chicken, cut into serving pieces (or any choice cuts of your liking)
• 1 thumb-sized fresh ginger root, cut into strips
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tbsp. fish sauce (patis)
• 5 cups water (or rice water – 2nd washing)
• 3 sayote (chayote squash), quartered (or green, unripe papaya or potatoes)
• 2 cups chili (sili) leaves or malunggay or 1/2 lb. spinach
• salt, to taste
• 3tbsp vegetable oil

Cooking Procedures:

1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté ginger and garlic until, add onions, stir-fry until softened and translucent.

2. Add chicken cuts. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until chicken colors slightly. Season with fish sauce (patis) and salt.

3. Pour in water (or rice water). Bring to boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until chicken is half-done. Add in chayote (or papaya or potatoes). Continue simmering until chicken and vegetable are tender. Correct seasonings and then add chili leaves or malunggay or spinach. Stir to combine until well blended. Remove from heat.

4. Leave it for 5 minutes for the green vegetables to be cook then transfer to a serving dish. Share, serve hot and enjoy!

Chicken Adobo

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 3 pcs dried bay leaves
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• salt and pepper
• 3 pcs medium size potato, cut into serving pieces (optional)

Cooking procedure:

1. In a large container, combine the soy sauce and garlic then marinade the chicken overnight

2. Place the cooking oil in a pan and apply heat

3. When the oil is hot enough, put-in the marinated chicken

4. Add water and bring to a boil

5. Add the dried bay leaves and potatoes then simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken & potatoes are tender

6. Add vinegar, salt, and pepper and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes

7. Serve hot. Share and Enjoy!

Sing To The Lord A New Song

I will sing a new song to you, O God; on the ten stringed lyre I will make music to you, to the one who gives victory to king, who delivers his servant David from the deadly sword. (Psalms 144: 9-10)

Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; make music to our God on the harp. (Psalms 147:7)

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. (Ephesians 5:18-21)

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says, ” In Col 3:16; Eph 5:19 Paul bids his readers sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” Gregory of Nyssa (4th century) distinguishes these as follows: the Psalms were accompanied by instruments, the hymns were mainly vocal, and the song, ode, was a general term comprehending both.”

Based on the Scripture passage above, when we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will naturally express our praise and thanksgiving in psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. We will use our abilities and talents to play a musical intrument to give glory to our God.

Let us choose to seek God and ask for His control in our lives. This will help us become sensitive to what He is doing in our lives – the marvelous deeds He does in answer to prayer and how He is fulfilling His purposes for our lives. Whenever we see how the Lord is moving in our lives, we will surely have a new song in our hearts.

Together, let us sing a new song unto the Lord.

An Article from the pastor's desk

The Blessings of a Man Who Fears the Lord

1. Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, who finds great delight in his commands.
2. His children will be mighty in the land; The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3. Wealth and riches are in his house, and his righteousness endures forever.
4. Even in the darkness light dawns for the upright for the gracious, compassionate and righteous man.
5. Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.
6. Surely, he will never be shaken; A righteous man will be remembered forever.
7. He will have no fear of bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8. His heart is secure, he will have no fear; in the end he look in triumph on his foes.
9. He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor, his righteousness endures forever; his horn will be lifted high in honor.
10. The wicked man will see and be vexed, he will gnash his teeth and waste away; the longings of the wicked will come to nothing.

We all long that our children will grow up a blessing to us as parents and to their network of their relationships. We desire that God will prosper the work of our hands so that we will enjoy wealth and riches. Deep within, we desire a character that is full of righteousness, uprightness, graciousness, compassion, generosity, and steadfastness.

Whatever be the season of life, in good times or bad times, our anchor is always in the Lord – trusting Him at all times, for he knows what he is doing and what is the best for us. Now, all these will be ours…if we fear the Lord and find great delight in His commands. Truly, ‘’The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,” says Proverb 1:7a

An Article from the Pastor's Desk

The Key To The House That God Builds (Psalm 127 – 128)

Psalm 127 & Psalm 128
Psalm 127: 1-5
2 Keys
1.  Always include the Lord for he is the key to the home. He wants to build.
      Psalm 127: 1 – without God everything is in vain
   - all is useless without the Lord
   - include the Lord to establish the home
2. Always fear the Lord for he is the key to the home. He wants to build.
     Deut 5:29 – To fear God – includes commitment to his revealed will
  – To respect God
  – To revere God
  – To honor God
  – To trust God
  – To obey God
    (see Genesis 22:12 / Psalm 34: 8-14)
Con:
Psalm 127 3-5 – Psalms 128: 1-6
Psalm 112: 1-10

The DFA Appointment System

I was at the new DFA building this morning for my 11am appointment for my passport renewal. I bring with me the filled up application form printed from their website www.passport.com.ph/print. Take note: That you can only print this application form after you call them  at this number 737-1000 and ask for appointment. They will ask you for the details of your application and give you the reference number and time and advise you to print the form through their website which is stated above. Make sure that you put the /print there and follow the instructions. Before the website take you to your application form it gives you information and checklist of the necessary documents that you should bring before visiting their office at your appointed time. Make sure you take note all those requirements and have it with you so you will not forget anything. I followed all those steps and check my documents all the time to make sure I'm all good for today and it resulted well cause everything went pretty fine and quick when I arrive there.Although I was struggling with my travel; Took a jeepney from home (Taytay), LRT2 santolan(marikina) to recto and LRT1 Doroteo Jose - EDSA. It was quarter to eleven when I arrived at EDSA station so I have no choice but to get a taxi (make sure you wont get a taxi who's parking down the station they charge too much, believe me I paid too much ;) have no time to keep walking or haggle) to arrive there on time. If you have plenty of time and is not in a hurry like me, you can take an orange cab with a signage Mall of Asia and/or NEW DFA, no need to walk further because they are just around the LRT station.

When I arrived at their new building I asked the guard roving outside for the the entrance of the 11am appointee and he showed me the way to gate 2. I get my bag check and go to the table right after the entrance to verify my appointment then proceed to Step 1 - Processing Area. There are seats inside just ask where is the last lane. When you arrive at the window present your application form along with your requirements and original passport if you are on a renewal; original birth certificate and nbi for the new applicants. Another reminders: Print the application form in a long bond paper, and do not sign it , you will be ask to sign it in front of the DFA personnel after you present your documents. The DFA personnel will ask you if it is a regular or express processing, the payment for express is Php 1,200.00 and Php950.00 for regular. I have mine on express since I need it ASAP. When I'm done at the step 1 window I proceed to step 2 - payment and encoding at the second floor (right side) and paid Php1,200.00 at the cashier and ask for a number on the table near counter 23. My number was 2516 and the number that they are currently serving that time are around 2105 to 2110 (seems like it will be a long waiting isn't it?). I looked for a vacant seat and have some retouched. I have a good news! they are pretty fast now, it didn't take me too long to wait. When my number was displayed on the screen I then proceed to my designated counter which is 42, I submitted my documents to the lady whom I found sarcastic while she was entertaining the guy before me, she asked me to signed, faced at the camera and check the details encoded in their system if everything is correct. After that she printed it and asked me to sign again, that's it! after i signed the papers I asked her where is the delivery counter (I have mine delivered since I have work and cannot come back, Php120.00 for the delivery fee) and another good news she was being helpful, so I then found her sarcastic but helpful.

In conclusion, I was really happy with their new system it makes us filipinos proud that some government agencies are improving. Though at the very first step there is a big sign there saying.."we serve with a smile" even the counters have it, but from step 1 until the very last step including the delivery counters I never or should I say we never (since I heard most people talking about it there) seen anyone serving with a smile.  I understand that their job was never easy and that applicants can be irritating sometimes but if they cannot do it they should have not put the sign in there. It humiliates their own. That's the only problem I've seen in the department so far, and I must say even if they were not smiling they're still helpful enough. I just wish them to get rid of the "we serve with a smile" sign and replace it with something real, something that they can manage.

Chicken Adobo

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken, cut into serving pieces
• 3 pcs dried bay leaves
• 4 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 tbsp vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• salt and pepper
• 3 pcs medium size potato, cut into serving pieces (optional)

Cooking procedure:
1. In a large container, combine the soy sauce and garlic then marinade the chicken overnight
2. Place the cooking oil in a pan and apply heat
3. When the oil is hot enough, put-in the marinated chicken
4. Add water and bring to a boil
5. Add the dried bay leaves and potatoes then simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken & potatoes are tender
6. Add vinegar, salt, and pepper and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes
7. Serve hot. Share and Enjoy!

Turtle Inn Boracay

This is the perfect place if you are looking for a simple and relaxing accommodation. By the time that we arrived at the area we could say that it is better than the other place along the beach, which is more expensive and noisy; the place is very peaceful and very Filipino. When the van drop us off in front of the turtle inn entrance the guard was very polite and helpful to us, at the lobby there’s Jenny and the rest of the staff who warmly welcome us with their great mango shake. As we waited for our room to be ready which really doesn’t take too long there was these two Filipino guests at the lobby who’s very friendly and professional, I’m very pleased because most of the guest here are friendly and not a snob type, both Filipinos and foreigners.

After checking in Rachel accompanied us to our room, the room has a balcony facing on the beach. Although, you cannot see the whole beach from there due to the houses built in front of the hotel it doesn’t really matter since sitting in the balcony watching the coconut trees next to the houses and the breeze already give us peace and relaxation.

Most people from different hotels complained about their towels here they provide enough towels in the room and beach towels for free. The room has a tv with lots of channels to select, a small fridge with some drinks inside, take note that the beverages & waters inside is not free including those that are displayed at the top of it. There is a complimentary bottled water on a different area though and if it’s not enough the for sale one isn’t expensive. With the toiletries, they provide one hand soap, bath soap, shampoo, and conditioner, one roll of tissue outside the restroom  and one on the inside that is a daily compliment. They have a safety deposit box inside the cabinet, a hanger so you can hang your clothes and a table for two inside so if you want to eat your meal or do something inside your room you sure can. In the morning, you can see the hot water in the container w/ a mug and a sachet of 3in1 coffee in the table at your balcony area. It’s not a big area so whenever you’re up they will know and one of the staff will then ask you what would you like to have for breakfast and where do you want to have it. There is nothing plenty to select really just pancakes and eggs but they have a good cook there so don’t miss to try some from there menu they are not expensive but tasted better than the expensive ones outside.

If you want to do, island hopping and other activities ask jenny or jun first they can arrange it for you at a cheaper price. There are some cons here too that we have experienced every time we move the bed it made a lot of noise, some part in the head board might have been loosen up already since it quite old and just made of wood but we did not bother to complain anyway (better check the bed first once you have check in) . One time there is no power in the area and I was exaggerated when I know that the generator isn’t working due to the reason that their electrician didn’t show up in the morning to fix it jun showed up to us though and give us a flashlight (They should have a back up electrician :D) . Anyway those are just a few cons we have experienced during our stay all in all we had an unforgettable stay at turtle inn and if ever we’ll be back in boracay we wont hesitate to choose the place!

If you want to experience real hospitality and ambiance of filipino’s stay at turtle inn you’ll have an amazing vacation!

The Bar

The Bed

The Mango Shake 

Tequila Sunrise

I forgot the name for this drink

Piñaculada (if I am not mistaken) w/ jude at the back  he's the bartender that night..he gave us a free turtle shots

The Turtle Shots 

Wall painting in the lobby (dining area)

Wall painting in the lobby (dining area) -The Drunken Turtle 

A view from the top floor

A view from our balcony (our room was on the second floor)

The Kitchen

The Turtles at the entrance

The foods that Jude prepared for us during our island hopping (yummy)

Our way of thanking the management  for their great service :) 

I saw this puppy at the guard house when we are about to leave so cute

The Philippines

The Philippines is one of the most outstanding country in southeast Asia with its beautiful attractions of nature. It composed of seven thousand one hundred and one islands and islets (7,101); the islands are grouped into three sections: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with its fascinating landscapes, waterfalls, active volcanoes, mountains, splendid beaches, coral waters, tropical forests, historical places and old churches. Plus the costs of products and services here are relatively inexpensive for the excellent quality. More than anything, the people is a country's main resource with its warm and friendly nature, with every smile you see and the hey! Joe attitude. The amazing culture of the Filipinos are the best! especially with its strong family values

Visit Philippines, see yourself the true beauty of nature, and experience the amazing hospitality of Filipinos!